Outdoor winter activities in Wales

Mountain skills in Eryri (Snowdonia)

Did you know that, prior to conquering Everest, Edmund Hillary spend the winter doing mountaineering training in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park? This is the season when the National Park is at its most spectacular and most challenging. In thick snow and over ice, expert guides from an accredited mountain operator can teach you how to use crampons and ice-axes so that you can enjoy a spot of ice-climbing. Epic scenery is guaranteed, whatever the weather.

Search for climbing operators in Eryri (Snowdonia).

Photo taken on a bright day with views from Snowdon of mountains and lakes.

Walker looking towards snow covered summit of Snowdon Yr Wyddfa

Spectacular views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), North Wales

Walking the Gower Peninsula

Gower is the perfect place to blow away the wintery cobwebs. When storms whiplash the inland hills, wrap up and head to the peninsula. You’ll see it at its most exhilarating, with big seas booming against Worm’s Head at Rhossili. The view of the beach is awesome all year round, as is the cliff path to Port Eynon. Stop at The Ship Inn for a well-deserved meal cooked using locally-sourced ingredients.

Find out more about walking on the Gower Peninsula

Moody skies over Rhossili Beach, Gower, West Wales

Rafting in Cardiff Bay

On a wet day in South Wales (and we get our fair share of them), it’s easy to become restless if you stay inside. Make for the water at Cardiff International White Water centre, where Grade 4 rapids, standing waves, a full rafting course and high ropes course will wake you up with a hit of adrenaline. Being man-made, the course provides slightly warmer water than rivers and can be tailored to suit users of all experience levels. Retire to the cosy Quantum Coffee in Cardiff Bay afterwards for a rich hot chocolate (made with real choccie) and a slice of cake.

two people white water rafting at Cardiff International White Water.

Rafting at Cardiff International White Water Centre, South Wales

Hill walks in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

With clear blue sky and the crunch of snow underfoot, the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) hills come into their own in winter. Though they demand respect, ridge-walks in this National Park are nowhere near as treacherous as those in Eryri (Snowdonia). With the first snow, walkers arrive in the Pont ar Daf or Storey Arms car parks to begin the popular route up Pen y Fan (886m). It’s the highest peak in the park, but it’s just one option for winter.

Search for walking operators in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

A man admiring the views on the top of a snow capped mountain.

The cairn at the top of Pen y Fan from above.

Pen y Fan, Mid Wales

Mountain biking at Coed Llandegla

Experienced riders can get the blood pumping with a cycle in the Clwydian Range, but for everyone else there’s Coed Llandegla near Wrexham. With trails built for wet-weather riding, you get similar views of the hills without the difficulty and exertion, plus you get the added bonus of hot showers and a café afterwards. There’s on-site bike hire available with options for all ages and experience levels.

Find out more about mountain biking at Coed Llandegla.